Belize Participate in the Sixth Annual Travel Market In Salvador
Belize City, Thursday, October 15th, 2009 – Belize had a distinct presence at the sixth annual
Central America Travel Market held from October 10th - October 12th, 2009, at the International Trade Show & Convention Center in El Salvador.
Central America Travel Market (CATM) is a professional tourism exposition where suppliers and buyers from major outbound markets in Europe, Asia, and North America have the opportunity to build profitable business relations with the seven Central American destinations. CATM is a trade fair that is organized with the joint support of the tourism private and public sectors of all seven Central American countries with the support of SICA and the recently established Central American Tourism Agency —a public relations company located in Spain to grow European business to Central American destinations. For its part, the Belize participation was organized by the BTB and the BTIA.
The Belize Tourism Board, along with a delegation comprised of various private sector representatives, showcased the uniqueness and beauty that Belize has to offer. The show attracted over 100 exhibitors, 50 wholesalers, and had the presence of specialized mass media from major outbound markets to strengthen the region’s image and potential with international partners.
With an interest in growing budding markets and a need to undertake aggressive marketing 
initiatives, Belize demonstrated a continued strong presence at this year’s show. The delegation comprised of a total of 15 booths and approximately 25 tourism representatives. There was tremendous interest for Belize as the delegation was busy with meetings and appointments over the two-day period. Furthermore, the Belize post tours had a total of 10 participants who came to Belize, and these included wholesalers, press, and buyers who wanted to do business in Belize through their visits.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation & Culture, Mr. Mike Singh and President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association & FEDECATUR, Mrs. Dionne Miranda participated in the official events at the trade fair and were actively involved in meetings with regional government officials, the international trade, and international press as well as at the Belize stands.
“This show gave us an excellent opportunity to showcase to international buyers countrywide, our Belizean culture, beauty, and adventure,” comments Tourism Director, Tracy Panton.” “Belize continues to attract the major outbound markets who wish to expand their products and Belize serves as an attractive option.”
Belize private sector participation included Cahal Pech Village Resort, the Lodge at Chaa Creek, Maya Island Air Regional, The Placencia Hotel, Ramon’s Village, Adventures in Belize, Splash Dive Resort, Belize Vacation Partners, Almond Beach Resort and Jaguar Reef Lodge, Tropic Air, Ka’ana Boutique Resort, Belize Hotel Association, Caye Caulker BTIA, Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel, Belize Tourism Industry Association and the Belize Tourism Board.
Representing the Ministry of Tourism was the CEO of the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation & Culture, Mr. Mike Singh. Representing the Belize Tourism Board were Marketing Officers, Michelle Bowers and Lorena Martinez.
For more information on the developments and events in Belize tourism industry, please contact the Marketing Department at the Belize Tourism Board at (501)-227-2420, via e-mail: info@travelbelize.org or visit us at our website www.belizetourism.org
